Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Infant Feeding

This article comes as a response to numerous discussions I've encountered on social media, where individuals—some claiming expertise—share their thoughts on infant feeding. While I refrain from judging their qualifications, it’s concerning to see advice being dispensed without accountability. The gravity of this issue is paramount; after all, we are discussing the wellbeing of children and families.

My motivations for writing are both personal and social:

1. To safeguard individuals from unqualified advice which, even in trivial matters, can prove detrimental. Here, we are addressing the delicate lives of families.
2. To promote philanthropy in my field, reflecting my commitment to a profession that I find deeply rewarding yet challenging.
3. To inspire readers, including amateur writers, to pursue professionalism and adhere to ethical standards.
4. To address societal health issues in a country where physical and mental ailments are prevalent. I aspire to live in a community of healthy individuals.
5. To contrast my expertise with the lack of knowledge shown by some individuals. This is a natural inclination for any professional.

A noteworthy case arose when a woman posted online, questioning whether she should breastfeed her unborn child or rely on the myriad of formulas available in stores. Despite her husband's encouragement for natural feeding, she expressed a preference for formulas, citing upcoming online training as a reason.

In response, I advocate for breastfeeding. Here’s why:

• My background in medicine, particularly in a neonatal center, and my experience in psychology at a Family Center inform my views.
• I believe in the superiority of natural feeding over artificial alternatives.

Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of breastfeeding.

The first video titled "Feeding Your 0-3 Month Old Baby" discusses the essentials of nurturing infants during their early months. It highlights the significance of breast milk and how it serves as the ideal nutrition for newborns.

Breast milk's advantages are well-documented and need no embellishment, provided there are no medical issues on either the mother's or child's side. Potential contraindications may include certain maternal health conditions or an infant's intolerance to breast milk, which should not reduce the choice to a mere preference.

In unfortunate cases, some mothers may lose their ability to produce milk due to stress or other factors, necessitating the use of formula to prevent the infant from going hungry. This raises an important psychological question: Is the mother emotionally prepared for motherhood? If not, professional support may be crucial.

Disadvantages of Artificial Feeding

1. Unpredictable reactions of the infant to formula components pose risks, as the first spoonful can be an experiment on a developing child.
2. Formula feeding can place extra strain on a baby's digestive system, increasing the workload on organs significantly.
3. Research by UNICEF indicates that 1.5 million infants die annually due to complications from artificial feeding, emphasizing the critical need for natural milk. Human milk contains approximately 400 beneficial components, while formulas typically contain around 40.

The potential consequences of formula feeding are often overlooked, as such studies could jeopardize the interests of formula manufacturers.

Psychological Aspects of Breastfeeding

1. Breastfeeding initiates a bonding process that fosters emotional development, significantly impacting the mother's self-esteem and the child's personality.
2. Infants who are breastfed tend to express their needs more clearly and are generally more resilient to stress.
3. A strong emotional connection develops between mother and child, which is essential for nurturing relationships.
4. Intuitive empathy and intimate contact are cultivated, forming the foundation for the child's psychological health.
5. Studies dating back to the 1920s suggest that breastfed children may have cognitive advantages.

This list could extend indefinitely.

A word to those opposing breastfeeding—often other women—points out discomfort during the feeding process as a reason for preferring formula. This reasoning lacks persuasive power. Some argue that women should prioritize their professional development over breastfeeding, referring to their child derogatorily as a "pooping backbone," a sentiment that I found troubling.

In response to my supportive comments for breastfeeding, I was told, "Shut up man, you didn't give birth, you don't know what it is!" While I cannot experience motherhood, I cherish and respect those who do.

It seems that many advocating for artificial feeding may have ulterior motives, perhaps linked to sales or marketing for online courses or formula products.

Chapter 2: The Emotional and Physical Benefits of Breastfeeding

The second video titled "Feeding Babies: Starting Solid Foods" by Kaiser Permanente emphasizes the transition to solid foods while underlining the foundational role of breastfeeding in an infant's early development.